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So I had a odontogenic keratocyst removed from my right maxillary sinus that had destroyed a good deal of bone. I am told they are very aggressive and tend to come back. My cheek on that side has been swelling some, so I see my PCP and he orders a CT scan.

The radiologist report says she sees "something" in the maxillary sinus but is unable to tell if it is scar tissue or the cyst growing back. She gives the measurements of the "something" and where it is located. Recommends I repeat the CT scan in the near future to look for changes.

PCP sends me back to the ENT surgeon who removed the first cyst. He does not read the report (even though I hand it to him) but does look at the CT scan quickly that I brought on disc. He tells me everything is fine - that there is nothing there. I ask about the radiologist report and he says he doesn't know why she would say that because the sinus is empty. He tells me he reads these all the time (and a radiologist doesn't???) and I do not need another CT any time soon. He doesn't know why my cheek is swelling. Tells me to see him back in 4 months.

Who would you believe?? The radiologist who does this for a living or the ENT who looks at nothing but sinus cavities all day???

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4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Which Doctor would you believe???So I had a odontogenic keratocyst removed from my right maxillary sinus that had destroyed a good deal of bone. I am told they are very aggressive and tend to come back. My cheek on that side has been swelling some, so I see my PCP and he orders a CT scan.

The radiologist report says she sees "something" in the maxillary sinus but is unable to tell if it is scar tissue or the cyst growing back. She gives the measurements of the "something" and where it is located. Recommends I repeat the CT scan in the near future to look for changes.

PCP sends me back to the ENT surgeon who removed the first cyst. He does not read the report (even though I hand it to him) but does look at the CT scan quickly that I brought on disc. He tells me everything is fine - that there is nothing there. I ask about the radiologist report and he says he doesn't know why she would say that because the sinus is empty. He tells me he reads these all the time (and a radiologist doesn't???) and I do not need another CT any time soon. He doesn't know why my cheek is swelling. Tells me to see him back in 4 months.

Who would you believe?? The radiologist who does this for a living or the ENT who looks at nothing but sinus cavities all day???

Cake Lady,I'm sorry this nightmare is continuing with the swelling popping up. I think you simply have to get the follow up CT -- and hope it shows no change. Take Care.

Hugs

K2

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Report This| Share this:Which Doctor would you believe???Cake Lady,I'm sorry this nightmare is continuing with the swelling popping up. I think you simply have to get the follow up CT -- and hope it shows no change. Take Care.

the answer is probably to wait and see how you do clinically and then decide later about the CT. Radiologists tend to read more into a film. If you do not do well then call the ENT before the 4 month period

David Zelman MD

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Report This| Share this:Which Doctor would you believe???the answer is probably to wait and see how you do clinically and then decide later about the CT. Radiologists tend to read more into a film. If you do not do well then call the ENT before the 4 month period

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